It is Springtime and time for the Artisan Fair at the Whim Greathouse Museum. A few new features this year add to our interest.

	The vendors were spread out on the lawn ready to attend to their patrons' every wish. Many cool items were on display and a few surprises.

	Tickets for the door prize were available for purchase. One half of the kitty, a fair prize!

	Aw, how cute!

	Many artisans were under the big tent or directly around it.

	And so, we wend our way around to see the blacksmithing demonstration. Blacksmiths are still at work, in this day and age, because many museums and antique structures need renovation and preservation, both here and abroad, of their original ornamentation. It takes a knowledge of ancient techniques and mastery to do this job.

	Our blacksmith, Richard Waugh, is one such artisan. He learned the craft from his father before him.

	There is a whole lot of heating and pounding and shaping and cooling to get the desired product. One must have pretty good muscle power in one's arms.

	And so, the demonstration ended and we went on to look at the grounds. There are lots of examples of ancient metalwork to be seen here.

	A look at the grounds. There is the ruins of a privy, a cook house and some other out buildings. The larger buildings have been put back into use.

	Under the Greathouse which is surrounded by a dry moat, there is a cellar/basement which is cool and dry, also. It has such a short door. Hmmm...folks must not have been too tall back then.

	Now for the food.

	From fried fish and johnnie cakes to funnel cakes.

	Another turn about the grounds.

	And lastly, we enter the display area of the Ancestor Discovery group. The adjoining ancestor research library has given many families on the island insight into their vast and complex histories. Many people find relatives they never knew existed and family ties that the families had lost through this library of census information, registries and books. Today, many families have their family trees on display for all to see - and perhaps even to pick up some helpful information from a passer-by. There is also a photo restorer on hand to assist those who want to bring images of their ancestors back into focus.